Our Other Kids

A couple of years ago, Dawn was talking to a single friend who commented that there were activities and groups for the college age singles, seniors, and families.  This person was feeling somewhat left out because she was an older single and didn't know where she fit.  Dawn mentioned that she knew a number of people in that category.  Because of that conversation, God gave Andy and me a concern for this group of people and we talked about this need at our church staff meeting.  All the pastors were already busy with ministry, including us.  Everyone also agreed there was a need but no one was sure what to do about it.  Well, after praying about it, Andy and I decided to get involved and host an initial meeting to try to determine if there was enough of an interest to begin a ministry to older singles.

Initially, we had about 5 or 6 women in their late 30's and early 40's who attended.  We started with a game night, then began meeting every other Sunday night at our house for Bible study and fellowship.  Word started getting out and we actually had a couple of women in their 50's who begged us to let them come, too!  So we did.  At first, we just served some refreshments in the form of snacks.

Then the Lord laid it on my heart to start serving dinner to whoever came to our evening meetings.  We opened up our dining room table to as large as it would go and bought 2 more 8 foot tables. We can actually seat 18 comfortably around the table in the dining room.  I feel this is very important for these dear singles to experience a home cooked meal - family style.  It has made a huge difference, adding to the feeling of love, acceptance and connection we all feel for one another.  Some of these singles are divorced and these are especially in need of a warm and loving home atmosphere.  Some have not had good moms and dads either, and we count it a privilege that God has blessed us with more "kids."  Of course, with parenthood comes responsibility and involvement and we've had to have some hard discussions, but everyone has been receptive and respectful toward us and each other.

We try to plan fun times as well as our evenings of Bible study.  We have had game nights at our house, outings for miniature golfing and bowling and picnics in the park.  Our "kids" have enjoyed making new friends.  They will say things like:  "a year ago, I was so lonely.  I came to this church not knowing anyone.  But now I have lots of friends;"  "I've been to lots of churches looking for a group like this, but never found one till now."

How good of God to hear the cries of the lonely and broken hearted.  He promises in His Word that He does this and He is faithful to carry out His promises.  He has not only blessed our "kids," but we are receiving blessings, too.  It's a privilege to see God at work in the hearts of those we love, encouraging them, maturing them and watching them reach out to help others. We can echo John in his 3rd letter:  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

We started out with 5 women in our group, but we have grown to 49 (on our distribution list) women and men.  Not everyone comes every time, which would be a problem if they did.  We're not sure where we go from here.  Our house will only hold so many and parking is an issue, too.  But this is God's ministry and we will trust Him to continue it in His way.  We have discussed building another addition (joking!) or a barn/large shed, but we're just not sure at this point.  We're waiting on direction from the Lord.  This is His ministry and I'm sure He'll provide.